MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class 2001 R170 Owner's Manual

208 Tires, wheels
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7.Operate air pump (approximately 5 minutes) until
pressure gauge displays 36 psi (2.5 bar).
8.To switch off air pump, turn key in steering lock to
position 0.
9.Unscrew filler hose from tire. Reinstall tire valve
cap.
Note:
Excessive tire air pressure should be released using the
vent screw.Storing spare wheel in wheel well
Deflate spare tire:
1.Unscrew valve stem removal tool, which is a part of
the valve cap, from tire valve.
2.Using the valve stem removal tool, open tire valve
slightly by turning the tire valve insert
counterclockwise to release air pressure.
3.When the tire air pressure has been released,
remove tire valve insert (protect it from dirt and
sand) using the previously removed tire valve cap.
4.Once all air is out of the tire, and the tire has
collapsed to its original shape, reinstall the tire
valve insert and valve cap.
Place spare wheel in wheel well and secure it with air
pump holder. Turn pump holder clockwise to its stop.

209 Tires, wheels
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A table (see fuel filler f lap) lists the tire inflation
pressures specified for Mercedes-Benz recommended
tires as well as for the varying operating conditions.
Important!
Tire pressure changes by approximately 1.5 psi (0.1 bar)
per 18°F (10°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in
mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage -
especially in the winter.
Example:
If garage temperature = approximately +68°F (+20°C)
and ambient temperature = approximately +32°F (0°C)
then the adjusted air pressure = specified air pressure
+3psi (+0.2 bar).Tire pressures listed for light loads are minimum values
offering high driving comfort. Increased inflation
pressures for heavy loads produce favorable handling
characteristics with lighter loads and are perfectly
permissible. The ride of the vehicle, however, will
become somewhat harder.
Tire temperature and pressure increase with the vehicle
speed. Tire pressure should therefore only be checked
and corrected on cold tires. Correct tire pressure in
warm tires only if pressure has dropped below the
pressure listed in the table and the respective operating
conditions are taken into consideration.
An underinf lated tire due to a slow leak (e.g. due to a
nail in the tire) may cause damage such as tread
separation, bulging etc.. Regular tire pressure checks at
intervals of no more than 14 days are therefore
essential.

210 Battery
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If a tire constantly loses air, it should be inspected for
damage.
The spare tire should be checked periodically for
condition. Spare tire will age and become worn over
time even if never used, and thus should be inspected
and replaced when necessary.Battery
Important!
Battery replacement information:
The maintenance-free battery is located in the engine
compartment.
The service life of the battery is dependent on its
condition of charge. The battery should always be kept
sufficiently charged, in order to last an optimum length
of time.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires can
result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they
are more likely to become punctured or damaged
by road debris, potholes etc.. Follow recommended
inflation pressures.Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified
vehicle capacity weight (as indicated by the label
on the driver’s door latch post). Overloading the
tires can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
severe injury or death.Never lean over batteries while connecting, you
might get injured.Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
cloth ing. In c ase it does, im mediately f lush affected
area with water and seek medical help.A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is
flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks
away from battery, avoid improper connection of
jumper cables, smoking etc..

211 Battery
Te ch n ica l
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battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than
approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month,
mostly for short distance trips, or if it is not used for
long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the
battery has been disconnected from the vehicle’s
electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and
connect last.
When removing and connecting the battery, always
make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the
key is in steering lock position 0. The battery must
always be securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation. During removal and installation always
protect the disconnected battery positive (+) terminal
with the cover attached to the battery.
While the engine is running the battery terminal clamps
must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the
generator and other electronic components will be
damaged.Battery recycling
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment with improper disposal.
Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of
disposal.
Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.

212 Battery
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Jump startingImportant!
A discharged battery can freeze at approximately +14°F
(–10°C). In that case, it must be thawed out before
jumper cables are used. Attempting to jump start a
frozen ba ttery can resul t in exploding , cau sing persona l
injury.
Jumper cable specifications:
•Minimum cable cross-section of 25 mm
2 or
approximately 2 AWG
•Maximum length of 11.5 ft. (3.5 m).
If th e battery is discha rged, th e eng ine shoul d be started
with jumper cables and the (12 V) battery of another
vehicle.
Only use 12 V battery to jump start your vehicle. Jump
starting with more powerful battery could damage the
vehicle’s electrical systems, which will not be covered
by the Mercedes-benz Limited Warranty.
The battery is located in the engine compartment.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and can lead
to a battery explosion and severe injury or death.Never lean over batteri es wh ile connec ting or jump
starting, you might get injured.Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
cloth ing. In c ase it does, imm edi ately f lu sh af fec ted
area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is
flammable and very explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper
connection of jumper cables, smoking etc..Read all instructions before proceeding.

213 Jump starting
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1.Position the vehicle with the charged battery so that
the jumper cables will reach, but never let the
vehicles touch. Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
2.On both vehicles:
•Turn off engine and all lights and accessories,
except hazard warning flashers or work lights.
•Apply parking brake and shift selector lever to
position “P” (manual transmission to Neutral).
Important!
3.Clamp one end of the first jumper cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery and
the other end to the positive (+) terminal of the
charged battery. Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal parts.
4.Clamp one end of the second jumper cable to the
grounded negative (–) terminal of the charged
battery and the final connection to a grounded
heavy metal bracket in the engine compartment or
on the engine of the disabled vehicle.Important!
5.Start engine of the vehicle with the charged battery
and run at high idle. Make sure the cables are not
on or near pulleys, fans, or other parts that will
move when the engine is started. Allow the
discharged battery to charge for a few minutes. Start
engine of the disabled vehicle in the usual manner.
6.After the engine has started, remove jumper cables
by exactly reversing the above installation
sequence, starting with the last connection made
first. When removing each clamp, make sure that it
does not touch any other metal while the other end
is still attached.
Note:
If engine does not run after several unsuccessful
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel may damage the catalytic
converter.

214 Towing the vehicle
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Towing the vehicleThe rear towing eye is located at the right, below the
bumper. The front towing eye is located on the
passenger-side behind the grille in the bumper panel.
Grille removal for SLK 320 except Sport Package
version:
Hold left and right end of grille (1) and pull out.
Grille removal for SLK 230 except Sport Package
version:
Hold grille (2), fold it down and pull out firmly.
Grille installation for all except Sport Package version:
Position grille and press in securely.
Model SLK 320
except Sport PackageModel SLK 230
except Sport Package
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2P88.20-2111-26

215 Towing the vehicle
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G r il l e re m ova l f or S p or t Pa cka g e v e rs i on : P u l l on t op e n d
of grille simultaneously pushing apron (arrow) up.
Grille installation for Sport Package: Position bottom
end of grille and press in securely simultaneously
pushing apron (arrow) up.
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using
f lat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Front towing
with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will
damage radiator and supports. Rear towing with sling-
type equipment over bumpy roads will damage the
lower edge of the front bumper cover.
Use wheel lift, dolly, or f lat bed equipment, with key in
steering lock turned to position 0.
Towing restrictions for vehicles with automatic
transmission: The vehicle may be towed with all wheels
on the ground and the selector lever in position “N” for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km / h). The key must be in steering
lock position 2.
To be certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the
transmission, however, we recommend the drive shaft
be disconnected at the rear axle drive f lange for any
towing beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
P88.00-2045-26
Wa r n i n g !
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the braking and steering systems. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort in necessary to
brake and steer the vehicle.

216 Towing the vehicle
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Important!
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the
key in steering lock position 2, the vehicle doors lock if
the left front wheel as well as the right rear wheel are
turning at vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph
(15 km / h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking.Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning
f lash er in u se, turn key in steering l ock to position 2 a nd
activate combination switch for left or right turn signal
in usual manner – only the selected turn signal will
operate. Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher will operate again.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (key in steering lock position 0
or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged
and will apply the rear wheel brakes. Switch off the
tow-away alarm as well as the ESP, see page 37 and 170.

217 Towing the vehicle
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In the case of power failure the transmission selector
lever can be manually unlocked, e.g. when towing the
vehicle.To do so, insert a pin (1), e.g. ball point pen, into the
covered opening below the position “D” of the shift
pattern. While pushing the pin down, move selector
lever from position “P”.
Af ter remova l of t he pin f rom th e opening , t he cover will
not close fully. Only after moving the selector lever to
positions “D+” and “D–” does the cover return to its
closed position.
P27.60-2101-26
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